Share This Story!

Photos: New giant Symphony of the Seas under construction

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, currently under construction at the STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in late March. As of Feb. 13, Symphony was 94% complete, according to the line.

Post to Facebook

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Join the Conversation

Photos: New giant Symphony of the Seas under construction

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, currently under construction at the STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in late March. As of Feb. 13, Symphony was 94% complete, according to the line.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Measuring 228,081 tons, Symphony of the Seas will be more than 1,000 tons bigger than Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas -- the current size leader in the cruise world.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The Boardwalk amusement area on Symphony of the Seas is six feet longer that the same area on Harmony of the Seas. The bigger size allows for 28 more cabins in the area.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

New in the Boardwalk amusement area on Symphony of the Seas will be a large sports bar called Playmakers that will show live sports throughout voyages. It'll fill an area on the port side of the ship, shown in this photo, that houses a Mexican eatery on Royal Caribbean's other Oasis Class ships.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Another area of Symphony of the Seas that will be different than on sister ship Harmony of the Seas is the adults-only Solarium.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Located at the front of Symphony of the Seas, the vessel's adults-only Solarium will feature its own pool. It's a feature that was built on the first two Oasis Class ships but was left off Harmony of the Seas.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The Solarium pool on Symphony of the Seas will be located just in front of the area's main bar, shown here under construction.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Just above the Solarium on Symphony of the Seas will be another new-for-Royal Caribbean venue, a 95-seat seafood restaurant called Hooked Seafood.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Shown here under construction, the Hooked Seafood restaurant on Symphony of the Seas will be a casual, New England-style seafood eatery open for lunch and dinner. It'll come with an extra charge of $19 at lunch, $39 at dinner.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

A white board near the entrance to the new Hooked Seafood restaurant on Symphony of the Seas shows a list of tasks for workers to complete.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The new Hooked Seafood restaurant on Symphony of the Seas will be located on the second level of a two-deck space that will house an eatery called Solarium Bistro on the first level.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Like Harmony of the Seas and more than half a dozen other Royal Caribbean ships, Symphony of the Seas will have its own ice skating rink in a space called Studio B.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Symphony of the Seas' main showroom is nearly complete with more than a month to go until the ship is finished.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Dubbed the Royal Theater, Symphony of the Seas main showroom will be able to hold more than 1,300 passengers at once.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Also nearing completion is Symphony of the Seas casino.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Slot machines stand at the ready in Symphony of the Seas' casino.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Symphony of the Seas' main dining room is essentially finished but awaits the placement of its tables and chairs, currently wrapped in protective coverings.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Chairs await installation in the main dining room on Symphony of the Seas.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Like earlier Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas will have an expansive, restaurant-lined outdoor area with live trees and plants called Central Park running down its middle.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Among the venues nearing completion along Symphony of the Seas' Central Park is a wine bar called Vintages.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Symphony of the Seas' Central Park also will be home to a restaurant by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Also located along Central Park, Symphony of the Seas' most elegant restaurant will be 150 Central Park. It's another venue that can be found on other Oasis Class ships.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Like earlier Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas' Royal Promenade will have a Rising Tide bar that elevates three decks to the ship's Central Park area.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The Rising Tide bar in Symphony of the Seas' Royal Promenade is nearing completion.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Like Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas boasts swirling water slides on its top deck above the Central Park area.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Many of Symphony of the Seas' cabins, including this windowless "inside" cabin, already are finished save for the making of beds and other last-minute touches.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Cabins that are complete are marked with a sign from the shipyard saying they have been 'sold to the owner,' Royal Caribbean.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Final touches are underway in Symphony of the Seas' interior, mall-like Royal Promenade, which will be lined with eateries, bars and shops.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

A giant art piece made up of 1,200 triangular stainless steel pieces is a main feature of Symphony of the Seas' Royal Promenade.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The Boleros bar along Symphony of the Seas' Royal Promenade already has been finished.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

A pub will be among the venues along Symphony of the Seas' Royal Promenade.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Workers are putting the finishing touches on a Sorrento's pizzeria along Symphony of the Seas' Royal Promenade.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Like Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas will have a massive spa complex with more than a dozen treatment rooms. The entrance, shown here, is nearing completion.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

None

The Windjammer Marketplace on Symphony of the Seas will offer buffet-style breakfasts and lunches in a casual setting. In the evening, it transforms to offer restaurant-style service.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Chairs and tables still have to be installed in the Windjammer Marketplace, but the space is otherwise nearly complete.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Hand-washing stations are ready for use at the Windjammer Marketplace.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

This outdoor deck area at the back of Symphony of the Seas will be the site of a miniature golf course that still has to be installed.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The Coastal Kitchen eatery on Symphony of the Seas, shown here nearing completion, will be open exclusively to passengers staying in suites and top members of Royal Caribbean's frequent cruiser program.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

None

Still far from complete is one of the most unusual new features on Symphony of the Seas, a two-deck-high family suite that will have a slide connecting its two levels.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Symphony of the Seas is being built at the STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. It's one of the biggest shipyards in the world that regularly builds cruise ships.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Symphony of the Seas' life boats already have been loaded onto the vessel but remain covered during the final phase of construction.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire is the same shipyard that built Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

The electronics are all in place on the bridge of Symphony of the Seas.
Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, shown here under construction in January 2018, will be the world's largest ship when it debuts in March.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Like other Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas will have an open-air AquaTheater for water shows near its stern. Here, the attraction comes together in January 2018. .
Royal Caribbean International

None

A January 2018 construction photo shows the view looking down into the Central Park area of Symphony of the Seas from atop the ship.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The open-air Central Park area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas undergoes finishing work in this construction photo taken in January 2018.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The open-air Central Park area of Symphony of the Seas, as seen in a January 2018 photo before construction was complete.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A 2018 construction photo shows the view looking down into the Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Symphony of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A January 2018 construction photo shows the Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas nearing completion.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Symphony of the Seas will feature massive water slides on its top deck, as seen here in a January 2018 construction photo.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Symphony of the Seas will have a Rising Tide bar that travels between the ship's Promenade and its Central Park area. It's shown here nearing completion in January 2018.
Royal Caribbean International

None

An interior area of Symphony of the Seas under construction in January 2018.
Royal Caribbean International

None

An interior area of Symphony of the Seas nears completion in January 2018.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A January 2018 construction photo shows the Central Park area of Symphony of the Seas nearing completion.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, shown here under construction in October 2017, will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in March 2018.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The balcony cabin-lined Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Symphony of the Seas under construction in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The balcony cabin-lined Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Symphony of the Seas under construction in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The AquaTheater area of Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Symphony of the Seas under construction in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The Royal Caribbean logo looms over the Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Symphony of the Seas in this construction photo taken in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A photo taken in October 2017 shows the water slide area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas taking shape.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The main theater of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, as seen in a construction photo taken in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Construction of Symphony of the Seas' interior promenade was well underway in October 2017, as seen in this construction photo.
Royal Caribbean International

None

An aerial view of the AquaTheater area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, as seen in a construction photo from October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A construction photo from October 2017 shows the Symphony of the Seas name already installed atop the Boardwalk area of the ship.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Mist shrouds the outdoor "central park" area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in a construction photo taken in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Like Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas will have a nine-deck-tall slide at its back end, shown here under construction in October 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, shown here in a construction photo from September 2017, is undergoing finishing work at the STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, shown here under construction at the STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire, France in September 2017, will debut in early 2018.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A photo taken in July 2017 during the construction of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas shows the ship's Boardwalk area coming together. The amusement zone will be home to an "aqua theater" (foreground), rock climbing walls (background), a classic carousel and other fun-focused activities.
Royal Caribbean International

None

In this of photo Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction, taken in July 2017, a rock climbing wall can be seen in the works behind a seating area for the ship's outdoor AquaTheater. The AquaTheater will boast the deepest pool at sea and be home to daring aerial diving shows.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The Boardwalk area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas will be lined with balcony cabins, as can be seen in this construction photo taken in July 2017 at the STX France shipyard.
Royal Caribbean International

None

An aerial photo taken in July 2017 shows the AquaTheater on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas taking shape during construction at the STX France shipyard. The semi-circular blue area is what will be the AquaTheater's pool.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A photo taken in July 2017 shows the Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction at the STX France shipyard. The mall-like interior zone will feature bars, eateries and shops.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A photo taken on June 9, 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas moments after it was floated out of a dry dock at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Bernard Biger

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in a dry dock at the Saint-Nazaire, France in June 2017. Soon after this picture was taken, the dry dock was flooded, and Symphony touched water for the first time.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A photo taken in June 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in a dry dock at the STX France shipyard in advance of its float out to a wet dock. The ship has been under construction at the shipyard for more than a year.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in a dry dock at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction at the STX France shipyard in June 2017.
Royal Caribbean International

None

A photo taken in May 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. At 230,000 tons, Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

As can be see in this photo taken in May 2017 at the STX shipyard in France, all sixteen passenger decks of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas are now in place. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in May 2017 shows a pre-built block being moved into place during the construction of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in May 2017 shows propellers in place on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in May 2017 shows propellers in place on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in April 2017 shows the bridge area of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas being moved into place during the vessel's construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

Shown here under construction at the STX Europe shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas will boast several new features that are not found on Harmony of the Seas as well as additional cabins, executives have said.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in March 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in March 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in March 2017 shows the bow of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas being moved into position during the vessel's construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in March 2017 shows the bow of Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas being moved into position during the vessel's construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in March 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in April 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

A photo taken in March 2017 shows Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas under construction. Symphony will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018.
Royal Caribbean

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in April 2018. It's currently is under construction at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Symphony of the Seas will be the fourth vessel in Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Oasis Class of ships that began rolling out in 2009.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Shown here under construction at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, Symphony of the Seas will measure about 230,000 tons, eclipsing the biggest ship currently at sea by about 3,000 tons.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The name for Royal Caribbean's fourth Oasis Class ship, Symphony of the Seas, already can be seen in rough outline along the back of the vessel as it comes together at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Symphony of the Seas will debut in Europe in April 2018 and then sail to the Caribbean out of Miami starting in November 2018.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Pieces of Royal Caribbean's next ship, Symphony of the Seas, under construction at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Royal Caribbean's next ship, Symphony of the Seas, under construction at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Royal Caribbean International

None

The name for Royal Caribbean's fourth Oasis Class ship, Symphony of the Seas, already can be seen in rough outline along the back of the vessel as it comes together at a shipyard in France.
Royal Caribbean International

None

Symphony of the Seas will sail out of a new terminal scheduled to open at PortMiami in late 2018, shown here in an artist's drawing.
Royal Caribbean

None

The new Royal Caribbean terminal at PortMiami scheduled to open in late 2018, shown here in an artist's drawing, will serve two Oasis Class ships.
Royal Caribbean

None

An artist's drawing of the new Royal Caribbean terminal scheduled to open at PortMiami in late 2018. It'll serve two Oasis Class ships including the still-under-construction Symphony of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean

None

In this photo taken on Feb. 3, 2015, executives from Royal Caribbean and the STX shipyard in France celebrate the first steel cutting for what will be the world's largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Bernard Biger

None

Royal Caribbean Cruises executive vice president Harri Kulovaara (right) initiates an automated steel cutting machine on Feb. 3, 2015 at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France to start construction on Symphony of the Seas. To his left is Jean-Yves Jaouen, senior vice president for operations at the shipyard.
Bernard Biger

None

In this photo taken on Feb. 3, 2015, workers at the STX shipyard in France celebrate the first steel cutting for what will be the world's largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Bernard Biger

None

In this photo taken on Feb. 3, 2015, a steel cutting machine prepares to cut the first steel for what will be the world's largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Bernard Biger

None

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, currently under construction at the STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in late March. As of Feb. 13, Symphony was 94% complete, according to the line.